Haakon VII's gate 10

Vestre Strømkaien 7

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS - The Who's Who Legal 100 2014

In September 2013, Sverre Tyrhaug was appointed as the firm’s new managing partner. Tyrhaug is a recognised leader in M&A and capital markets law and has acted in numerous high-profile transactions. He brings impressive international experience to the role, having practised in Oslo, London and Brussels since he joined in 1997.

THOMMESSEN

Banking

1

Insurance & Reinsurance

2

Capital Markets

3

Life Sciences

2

Commerical Litigation

1

M&A

2

Competition

3

Patents

1

Corporate Tax

3

Product Liability Defence

1

Energy

2

Project Finance

2

Information Technology

4

Public Procurement

1

Insolvency & Restructuring

1

Throughout 2013, Thommessen has maintained its position as one of Norway’s leading firms, with expertise in a number of key areas including information technology, corporate tax and competition law. The firm also continued to build its commercial litigation practice and has strengthened its expertise in large-scale complex matters, subsequent to the addition of three new litigation partners in 2012. In 2013 the firm was very active in tax litigation, and represented a number of major clients including Accenture and Herkules Capital.

KEY FACTS

Total Listings in WWL

29

Established

1856

Home jurisdiction

Norway

Total size of firm

285

Number of partners

52

Number of offices

3

PEOPLE AND PRACTICES

The firm has a “sector-leading” practice in corporate tax law and related litigation and arbitration. Christian Bruusgaard is a “key name” in the Norwegian tax field and also gains recognition for his abilities as a “formidable litigator”, with valuable experience of high-profile tax disputes. Ståle Kristiansen is described as a “first class” practitioner by peers and clients alike, and in 2013 he acted in several major cases including a significant transfer pricing dispute with the Norwegian tax authorities before the Court of Appeal on behalf of Accenture. Henning Naas is a “highly valued” member of the firm’s tax practice and is “well-known for his immaculate understanding of complex cross-border tax issues”.

Thommessen has a “comprehensive” competition practice and regularly advises major clients on the proper use of both domestic and EU/EEA competition law in order to achieve their commercial and strategic objectives. Siri Teigum is a “greatly respected” figure in the bar and is also described by clients as a “trusted source” on the competition issues arising from M&A transactions. The “highly knowledgeable and technically adept” Eivind Vesterkjær advises on all aspects of EU and Norwegian competition law, with a particular focus on merger control and distribution agreements. Eivind Sæveraas has “impressive” expertise in relation to cartel investigations and is described as a “leading individual” for regulatory advice in the field.

The firm has a “stellar reputation” in the capital markets sector and advises on matters including securities law and regulatory issues for the financial industry. The aforementioned Sverre Tyrhaug is recognised as a “leading specialist” in the capital markets field. In 2013, he advised on a number of key transactions including the acquisition by China Fishery Group of Copeinca ASA. The “sharp and intelligent” Anders Arnkværn has an “impressive” capital markets practice and focuses on share issues and stock exchange listings.

“Acclaimed” for its M&A practice, the firm has acted in several major transactions over the course of 2013. The firm has extensive experience in both domestic and cross-border deals and advises the full range of parties to M&A transactions. Rune Solberg is a “true authority” in the field and advises on all aspects of the M&A dealmaking process. In 2013 he assisted OMV in the €2 billion acquisition of participating interests in the Gullfaks and Gudrun fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and the Schiehallion and Rosebank fields on the UK Continental Shelf, from Statoil. The “exceptional” Kim Dobrowen is a “go-to” lawyer for advice on the company law implications of mergers and acquisitions and recently Bain Capital and Altor Equity Partners in their €822 million acquisition of Ewos from Cermaq.

PRO BONO

Thommessen is dedicated to sharing its expertise and resources with those who need it the most. The firm participates in pro bono work for organisations such as the Norwegian Red Cross, its main CSR partner. Lawyers from the firm regularly contribute to the Habitat for Humanity project and participate in the Norwegian Bar Association’s legal aid project for asylum seekers.

One of Thommessen’s pro bono highlights of 2013 is its Christmas project with the Norwegian Red Cross. Lawyers initiated a Christmas gift donation campaign for children of ex-inmates participating in the Oslo Red Cross’ Networking activity after imprisonment (ORCN). The donations resulted in more than 150 gifts for the children supported by the programme.

LOOKING FORWARD

2014 will be “business as usual” for Thommessen as it continues to focus on its core business, with no current plans for new offices, mergers or significant expansions. The firm’s main strategy is to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading business law firm in the Norwegian market and Thommessen will continue to deliver the best possible legal services to its clients through the specialist expertise of its dedicated and motivated team.

Nominees have been selected based upon comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.